Hey everyone! I'm a self-taught adult learner who just decided to dive into software development last month. My focus areas are programming, AI, and data science. My learning plan might look a little chaotic, but I'm hoping to get some suggestions on how to improve. So far, I've been tackling programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python to understand the basics and the philosophy behind coding. For AI, I'm digging into machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning, while for data science, I'm focusing on statistics and math, specifically probability and linear algebra. I usually study for about six to seven hours a day. Given this roadmap, how long do you think it will take me to build a strong foundation in this field?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're really eager to learn, but I’d suggest slowing down a bit. Mixing CSS and statistics could be a little too much at this point. If your main interest lies in AI/ML and data science, you might not need to focus on HTML, CSS, or JavaScript right now. Instead, I'd recommend concentrating on Python from the get-go and familiarizing yourself with libraries like Pandas, SciKit Learn, and TensorFlow. Once you're comfortable with Python, tackle the math when you find it limiting. Trying to learn everything at once could hold you back—perhaps break things down more.
Just to clarify your goals, it seems there’s a lot on your plate. Think of programming like building a structure; HTML and CSS are more about the aesthetics while Python and JavaScript can help with the structure itself. The depth of AI and ML concepts you’re trying to tackle may be overwhelming without a solid grasp of the basics. If you have a STEM background, it might take 4-5 years to feel really proficient, but if not, it could be much longer—like 14-15 lifetimes worth of learning!
I appreciate your candid response; it's definitely a reality check!
Thanks for the insight! I feel like I’m rushing because I’m eager to start working on my project. I appreciate the guidance!